I was really bummed this past summer; Mom and Dad went to a family reunion and I didn’t get to go! They said the houses where they stayed didn’t allow pets. I stayed home with Grandma and Uncle. I still had a good time. Since he doesn’t know my routine, I can trick Uncle into taking me out whenever I want!
The family reunion was in the Gatlinburg area of Tennessee. They rented three houses and there were 29 people who came. The family all hung out together and did fun things like floating down a river on a tube, or riding go karts. They went to museums, and ate out and had lots of fun together. Mom said the nice thing about having such a big family is that there were always at least two people who wanted to do something that they could do together. Sometimes, people just wanted to play video games, others did jigsaw puzzles. And the families took turns cooking dinner so Patty Jo didn’t have to cook all of the time. (Although she loves to cook and entertain, a whole week for that many people would have just been too much!)
I heard about the Pirate Party that they had one night. Some of the family members dressed up like pirates. Ken Bob and Adeline took the prizes for the best costumes. Mom told me that everyone walked around saying “ARRGH” to each other all night. And then I guess Mom and Ken Bob started acting silly and laughed until they cried. Ken Bob tries to make Mom do that every time they are together, and he hasn’t failed yet!
I really love my human family. I just wish I got to go to the family reunions too. Maybe next time they’ll go to a place that is pet friendly and take me with them!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Things do change after 25 years.
Wow, where has the time gone? It has been a busy week for me. You know; wake up, eat, play, sleep, wake up, play, sleep, wake up, eat and before you know it the day is over!!! Ahh, a dog’s life is a wonderful life!
Mom and Dad celebrated their 25th anniversary in September. To mark the event they went back to the town in Greece where they met. The town is called Nea Makri, located about 23 kilometers north east of Athens. Mom said it used to be this nice quite little town, but not any more. The main road is now a divided highway, and there was actually a traffic jam on the side streets. There are many more houses. Since they built the freeway into Athens, people have moved out to the suburbs and Nea Makri has grown. They were sad to see that the hotel where Dad stayed is now closed and just a shell of a building.
They passed Mom’s old apartment on the way to the airport. Mom says, she guesses that “they” are right, you can’t go back again; things do change. Mom’s friend Randy (who is the reason that Mom and Dad met) used to say, “Greece is 2000 years of history, unhindered by progress,” she said that is not the case any longer.
I don’t think I will ever have to worry about going back somewhere. I don’t even remember any home other than the one I have now. And as you can see from the first paragraph, my life is perfect so I have no reason to go anywhere else!
Mom and Dad celebrated their 25th anniversary in September. To mark the event they went back to the town in Greece where they met. The town is called Nea Makri, located about 23 kilometers north east of Athens. Mom said it used to be this nice quite little town, but not any more. The main road is now a divided highway, and there was actually a traffic jam on the side streets. There are many more houses. Since they built the freeway into Athens, people have moved out to the suburbs and Nea Makri has grown. They were sad to see that the hotel where Dad stayed is now closed and just a shell of a building.
They passed Mom’s old apartment on the way to the airport. Mom says, she guesses that “they” are right, you can’t go back again; things do change. Mom’s friend Randy (who is the reason that Mom and Dad met) used to say, “Greece is 2000 years of history, unhindered by progress,” she said that is not the case any longer.
I don’t think I will ever have to worry about going back somewhere. I don’t even remember any home other than the one I have now. And as you can see from the first paragraph, my life is perfect so I have no reason to go anywhere else!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Summer Resorts on the Black Sea
The only body of water I have seen is the "river" that flows down the gutter along the street in front of our house when it rains. And trust me, if it is raining, I don't spend much time outside checking out the "river". I don't like to be in the rain. It reminds me too much of those nasty baths that Mom gives me. Ugh! Sometimes in the morning, when Mom or Dad is in the shower, I will go push open the curtain just enough so I can peek in. They actually look like they enjoy that water pouring down on them. Sometimes Dad teases me and tells me to come on in. I just turn and run!
Mom told me that a lot of the ports they visited on the Black Sea cruise were seaside resorts. She said that some of them still had quite a few people at them, but not a lot of people were actually in the water (after all it was mid-September). She said some of the ports were very nice and looked family friendly. She commented that Yalta was particularly nice; there were alot of people along the waterfront. Big blow up activities for children dotted the area and there were places to eat as well as benches where people could just sit and watch all of the activities.
Unfortunately, not all of the ports on their cruise were as nice as Yalta. She said that some were still nice, but in a different way. Others were not so great and she would see no reason to go back to them again. Her favorite ports were Yalta, Odessa, Sochi, Sevastapol, and Trabzon. She said Nessabar was interesting, but very small. She said Constanta has seen better days, and she would put that on not so great list.
I hear that my dog "nephews", Forrest and Arthur really like the ocean. But I understand that Labs are supposed to like the water. I will get to meet them in a few weeks and they can tell me all about their experiences with the water. But, I don't think they will be able to convince me that it is a good thing. For now, I'm happy to keep my little paws high and dry!
Mom told me that a lot of the ports they visited on the Black Sea cruise were seaside resorts. She said that some of them still had quite a few people at them, but not a lot of people were actually in the water (after all it was mid-September). She said some of the ports were very nice and looked family friendly. She commented that Yalta was particularly nice; there were alot of people along the waterfront. Big blow up activities for children dotted the area and there were places to eat as well as benches where people could just sit and watch all of the activities.
Unfortunately, not all of the ports on their cruise were as nice as Yalta. She said that some were still nice, but in a different way. Others were not so great and she would see no reason to go back to them again. Her favorite ports were Yalta, Odessa, Sochi, Sevastapol, and Trabzon. She said Nessabar was interesting, but very small. She said Constanta has seen better days, and she would put that on not so great list.
I hear that my dog "nephews", Forrest and Arthur really like the ocean. But I understand that Labs are supposed to like the water. I will get to meet them in a few weeks and they can tell me all about their experiences with the water. But, I don't think they will be able to convince me that it is a good thing. For now, I'm happy to keep my little paws high and dry!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Mom and Dad Cruise the Black Sea
I am a very curious pup. I like to go exploring, it's part of my nature. But, my parents don’t really like to let me get too far away from them which inhibits my explorations. Dad lets me off the leash once in a while, were Mom is a little less sure of me. I am not the most obedient of dogs. After all I am a terrier, and we are not known for following the will of others!
As you may have already noticed, Mom and Dad are explorers too. They really enjoy seeing new places and experiencing different cultures. Mom says it is good for them to see the world through the eyes of others.
A newer, up and coming cruise destination is the Black Sea. Located on the eastern edge of Europe, the countries surrounding the Black Sea, with the exception of Turkey, were all part of the former Soviet Union. Mom and Dad sailed the Black Sea in September. They began their cruise in Istanbul.
They were fortunate enough to be sailing on one of their favorite cruise lines; Regent Seven Seas on board the Seven Seas Navigator. Mom told me they like this line because it is very inclusive. The cost of the cruise includes not only their food, but also alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic beverages such as soda pop and bottled water. They serve nice wines with dinner which are complimentary. Tips are included in the cruise price, and starting in 2010 there are unlimited complimentary shore excursions included as well. Mom says it is nice not to have to worry about having large shipboard account to pay for at the end of the cruise; she would rather just take care of it all up front and not be “nickled and dimed” throughout the cruise.
I have to agree with Mom and Dad, not having to pay for food is a wonderful thing! I get all of the kibble and water I want at no charge; what a deal! Wait a minute; I take that back. I forgot about Mom cutting back on my food to help me trim down a bit. Well, I still get all of the water I want!
As you may have already noticed, Mom and Dad are explorers too. They really enjoy seeing new places and experiencing different cultures. Mom says it is good for them to see the world through the eyes of others.
A newer, up and coming cruise destination is the Black Sea. Located on the eastern edge of Europe, the countries surrounding the Black Sea, with the exception of Turkey, were all part of the former Soviet Union. Mom and Dad sailed the Black Sea in September. They began their cruise in Istanbul.
They were fortunate enough to be sailing on one of their favorite cruise lines; Regent Seven Seas on board the Seven Seas Navigator. Mom told me they like this line because it is very inclusive. The cost of the cruise includes not only their food, but also alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic beverages such as soda pop and bottled water. They serve nice wines with dinner which are complimentary. Tips are included in the cruise price, and starting in 2010 there are unlimited complimentary shore excursions included as well. Mom says it is nice not to have to worry about having large shipboard account to pay for at the end of the cruise; she would rather just take care of it all up front and not be “nickled and dimed” throughout the cruise.
I have to agree with Mom and Dad, not having to pay for food is a wonderful thing! I get all of the kibble and water I want at no charge; what a deal! Wait a minute; I take that back. I forgot about Mom cutting back on my food to help me trim down a bit. Well, I still get all of the water I want!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Istanbul and Magic Corn
Mom told me that I am getting a little too heavy, so she is going to cut back the amount of food I am eating. I hope she doesn't cut out my Milk Bones and especailly not my most favorite: Cesar treats. I'm not sure why I am too heavy, although I like to eat, there are some days when I am just not interested in food at all. Maybe Mom just needs to take me for more walks!
Speaking of food, Mom told me about something she saw when she was in Istanbul. She and Dad didn't realize it but, they arrived in Turkey during the last few days of Ramadan. One day they noticed that outside of the Blue Mosque there were hundreds of picnic tables set up and there were lots of booths around the area. Mom told Dad it looked like the church bazaars she remembered from her childhood. That night when they went out to eat dinner, they saw what was going on.
The picnic areas were filled with people eating, the booths were filled with people selling food. There was live entertainment and people selling little play things for the children. This was the time of breaking the fast, and people were having a joyous time socializing and dining with their families. Mom said she was glad she got to see it.
But there was one thing that puzzled Mom and Dad. There was a booth for Magic Corn, as you can see in the photo above. They were intigued as to what made this corn "magic". They thought there was something special that was done to corn to make it more appealing to children. When they asked they were told that it was just plain old corn.
Mom checked it out when she got home (as the web site www.magiccorn.com was listed on the booth). Turns out it is a Malaysian company that has found a way to take the whole kernels off the cob without cutting them, resulting in a fresher taste.
I have never had corn before, let along Magic Corn. Maybe one day when I am off the weight loss program, Mom will let me try it!
Speaking of food, Mom told me about something she saw when she was in Istanbul. She and Dad didn't realize it but, they arrived in Turkey during the last few days of Ramadan. One day they noticed that outside of the Blue Mosque there were hundreds of picnic tables set up and there were lots of booths around the area. Mom told Dad it looked like the church bazaars she remembered from her childhood. That night when they went out to eat dinner, they saw what was going on.
The picnic areas were filled with people eating, the booths were filled with people selling food. There was live entertainment and people selling little play things for the children. This was the time of breaking the fast, and people were having a joyous time socializing and dining with their families. Mom said she was glad she got to see it.
But there was one thing that puzzled Mom and Dad. There was a booth for Magic Corn, as you can see in the photo above. They were intigued as to what made this corn "magic". They thought there was something special that was done to corn to make it more appealing to children. When they asked they were told that it was just plain old corn.
Mom checked it out when she got home (as the web site www.magiccorn.com was listed on the booth). Turns out it is a Malaysian company that has found a way to take the whole kernels off the cob without cutting them, resulting in a fresher taste.
I have never had corn before, let along Magic Corn. Maybe one day when I am off the weight loss program, Mom will let me try it!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Cats at Topkapi Palace
Sunday was a beautiful day here in Columbus. I conned Mom into taking me out many more times than I really needed. The weather was so nice, I just couldn't help myself!
I saw the big white and orange cat across the street again. I really think I want to get to know that cat, but Mom says no. The last time I got up close to it, it spit and hissed at me. Mom told me she didn't think the cat liked me. But, that's okay, I still like the cat.
Mom was telling me about all of the stray cats she saw on her cruise of the Black Sea. (Once again, why don't humans get the spay and neuter message?) She took pictures of a few of them.
She was particularly intrigued by two cats (seen in the photo above) at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. Topkpai Palace is where the Ottoman Sultans lived from 1465 to 1856 and is now a museum. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public. (The entrance fee is 10 Turkish Lyra, no other currencies accepted.) Mom told me that this place is huge, and although probably smaller than the Forbidden City in Beijing it is none-the-less impressive. Mom says it should be on everyone's "must see" list when visiting Istanbul.
However, I digress, I was talking about cats. Mom watched the two young cats playing while Dad was getting the tickets to go into the Topkapi Palace Museum. She said they were stalking each other then tumbled around in the grass before they ran off to go lie in the sun for a while.
Mom said she and another lady had a good laugh watching the cats. She thought it was interesting that although she and the lady spoke different languages, they were still able to communicate their love of animals. Hmmm, maybe humans are smarter than I thought?
I saw the big white and orange cat across the street again. I really think I want to get to know that cat, but Mom says no. The last time I got up close to it, it spit and hissed at me. Mom told me she didn't think the cat liked me. But, that's okay, I still like the cat.
Mom was telling me about all of the stray cats she saw on her cruise of the Black Sea. (Once again, why don't humans get the spay and neuter message?) She took pictures of a few of them.
She was particularly intrigued by two cats (seen in the photo above) at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. Topkpai Palace is where the Ottoman Sultans lived from 1465 to 1856 and is now a museum. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public. (The entrance fee is 10 Turkish Lyra, no other currencies accepted.) Mom told me that this place is huge, and although probably smaller than the Forbidden City in Beijing it is none-the-less impressive. Mom says it should be on everyone's "must see" list when visiting Istanbul.
However, I digress, I was talking about cats. Mom watched the two young cats playing while Dad was getting the tickets to go into the Topkapi Palace Museum. She said they were stalking each other then tumbled around in the grass before they ran off to go lie in the sun for a while.
Mom said she and another lady had a good laugh watching the cats. She thought it was interesting that although she and the lady spoke different languages, they were still able to communicate their love of animals. Hmmm, maybe humans are smarter than I thought?
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